Coventry 2 United 2 - report / ratings

[bakeblade]

Cooper 7

Burrows 3
Anel 0
Souttar 3
Gilchrist 3

Souza 7
Peck 6
JRS 6
Hamer 7

O’Hare 3

Campbell 6

Subs

JLT. 6
Seriki 3
mccallum 4
One’ 3
Sackleton 2

Wilder 7

Referee Cunt.

Stupid ratings

 

[bakeblade]

Like Deadbat looking at SISU players I thought they would be higher in the league. Rudoni was a steal from Uddersfield. Yet consistent with their history of cheating they continue not to disappoint. Yes Anel was stupid but the blatant face holding was pathetic and was rightly called out by CW.

Disappointing game for Souttar at fault for both goals but the clash of heads for Australia and travelling long distance seems to have caught up with him. Hopefully resting for the next few days will get him back to his faultless performances to date. At least he's not going away now on international duty until March.

To be fair to SISU their high pressing game caused us problems and we struggled to adapt all game. As for us surrounding the ref to try and get an oppo player sent off, not for me we're better than the likes of SISU. Not for the manager either as referenced in post match comments. We've already run up a fair bill in confrontations this season, anymore and we'll have to pass the hat round to help pay for them.

CW said he felt if we'd gone for it second half they would have over run us. Hard to judge because we went into defensive mode straight away but I suspect Campbell's tight hamstring and the fact he was only down to play 60 minutes was an influencing factor. We will experience games like this where we are off it and a draw in the light of all that went off was a point gained not 2 lost. The concern is mounting injuries and the paper thin squad. Agree about Shackleton. Like all SUFC players I want him to do well but so far he looks well off the pace, lacks physicality and awareness of whats going on around him.

Time to regroup. Anel will be a loss but reverting to 3 at the back will be a backward step as shown by the Weeds experience. JLT/Norrington Davies need to step up next few matches.

Tuesday would have been ideal to give big H a well deserved rest, not to be now due to Anels stupidity

 

[originaltrueblade]

Very harsh on many aspects of this summing up in fact too many to mention

 

[Bergen Blade]

A few observations from the stats:

- we have played far fewer "Long Balls" in the last two matches - which is clearly intentional as Campbell (for all his goal scoring prowess) simply can't hold the ball up like Moore could. This has resulted in our tactics becoming one dimensional and predictable, as we always play short, with increased pressure and more lost balls in our own third. They had five players with pass completion over 90%, we had none;

- Vini remains a god! Most passes (save for Cooper), highest pass completion rate (89%). most tackles, joint most interceptions, joint most blocks, and even most successful dribbles! He also didn't commit a foul, - and when he was clearly struggling in the last 10 mins, he still put his body on the line. Peck's defensive stats were ok e.g second most tackles, but his pass completion rate and successful pass numbers are significantly lower than Vinis (and Arbs - a very sad loss!);

- Rak-Saki headlines offensively with most shots, most key passes, joint most successful crosses, and third best pass completion rate (unusual for an attacking winger). Hamer's contributed strongly with both goals, although O'Hare with no key passes, no dribbles, no tackles etc remains an enigma;

- Defensively, although Souttar won joint most aerial duels (with 4) this is far lower than normal, and perhaps he was jet lagged! Burrows again has most crosses, joint second most shots, third most successful tackles etc and remains a very consistent performer up and down the left;

Until the sending off Peck had completed 20 of 21 passes (95%). The rest of the game was completely different as it was all about keeping them out. Peck completed only three more passes.

In terms of player involvement, Campbell completed all of his passes, but there were only three of them! JRS made 7 passes, showing we struggled to get them two involved enough. Our starting full backs combined only made four or five passes in the last third, showing their limited contribution.

Even before the sending off Coventry pressed well and I thought we lacked rhythm and often looked uncomfortable, often finding a player who had to rush his pass. Although our central midfielders rarely gave it away we still struggled to build meaningful attacks. We should be looking at more ways to beat the high pressure of the opposition and we have to find ways of getting more contributions from all of the front players.

 

[Frank the tank]

Seriously?

2 decent chances all game. 2 shots on target. 2 goals. Once Hamer went off there was no threat going forward. Not what you expect from a side top of the table.

Blame the red card? Not a lot changed after it.

You talk absolute shite mate

 

[Harry's Game]

Stupid ratings

Your mum is

 

[Coolblade]

United have been doing that to teams all season. Create a chance, score a goal, then see it out. It's not sexy,.it'a not glamorous, but it's been very very effective so far and got us to the top of the division.

So seriously, yes we would have won and you would probably have been on this forum saying we were lucky

If Souttar doesn't make a highly unusual misjudgment from the corner - and heads the ball away as he has done better than any player in the country this year - then we still win even with 10 men!

 

[Silky Sabella]

United – Before the game I would have took a point and at the end was delighted with it. We led twice but even at 11 v 11, we were second best. I think if Anel stays on, we maybe regroup, tweak things and with how dangerous we were on the break, may go on to win the game as they were susceptible at the back but the red card changes it. We scored two very good goals but we were off it all over the field and a bit like Bristol City, just seemed slow to react to things, sat off and sat way too deep. We were careless with the ball and the defence played the worst they have since the QPR game, conceding too much possession and leading to us being under pressure a lot. It was odd, as we scored two excellent goals and had a few other shots blocked but outside of 4 or 5 breaks, Coventry were the better side and it seemed like we had got out of jail to lead 1-2 at the break. I just wanted us to get closer to them and actually stop playing out from the back as much. We were being pressured all game and tried to be too clever but were poor with the ball and felt Coventry had more intensity than us and seemed really up for it. We looked flat I felt and they just seemed sharper. We just had that real quality on the attacks we did have and the two goals were superb. We seem to be able to get away with playing average and scrappy as we have those moments of quality and then defend well but today we were not defending well and making errors.



The red card was moronic from Anel. Yes, the guy caught him earlier (think it would be extremely hard for officials to clearly say that was a genuine attempt to elbow him – he did in my opinion but he was subtle and snidey). After this he has a go at Anel and riles him and a little touch but Anel cannot react like that. The players holds his face and a poor reaction but the minute you put your hand round his neck (not face as he held) then he is in trouble. The surrounding of the players all around the incident means that it was always going to be a red card. I do wonder why we did not do the same last week (or more of it) on the Bannon foul as think he may have gone?



I was fuming with Anel. Yes, their player behaved poorly and a total wind up/diver but we should not fall for it as Wilder said. We have to be better than that and he has cost us the chance of winning that game and maybe some others – now being out for three.



After this, we took Campbell off and I was surprised but seems he was injured and not sure he could trust One for a full half – especially with ten men. Rak Sakyi I would have left on as he had some pace at least – maybe he was injured too? It was always going to be hard but I thought out approach (forced due to personnel a fair bit) meant we were always going to concede as we just sat back and invited pressure. It was frustrating though as they did not do much despite having lots of the ball but then had a flurry of good chances but the goal is just basic defending. After that I thought they would go on and win but only really had one chance. We looked out on our feet at the end and a number were holding various body parts!



As I say a good point and a lot will be made of the Anel red card which was a huge turning point but I also think we were not great from the off. It was a messy performance, which I thought it was at Bristol City too and we got away with it. We have took 4 points from two games where we have arguably been second best – so that is a positive in terms of our resilience but also a concern as we cannot keep going like that and expect to keep picking up the points. I suppose the defence won’t be (they haven’t so far) be as poor as that. In the end we take the draw and move on but we have a really threadbare squad with games coming thick and fast. There is still 7 games I think till the window opens and we need to somehow get through these and hope to remain in the mix but we literally have no senior strikers at all and no indication of when Brewster and Moore may be back. We are limited in midfield too. I though Peck and O’Hare offered little today but Souza was superb as was Hamer in terms of quality on the ball to along with a good work rate. Too many were off it today though even before the red card and we need to get back to better standards. We have sort of got away with it with three quite ordinary performances but got 7 points but we were a long way off the comfort of the wins at Blackburn and against Stoke.





Ratings:



Cooper 8/10 – He made 2 or 3 really good saves including the one from the header at the end of the first half which was superb. He made a few other point-blank ones too. Little chance on the goals. His kicking was strangely poor though today and sliced a lot in to the air or out. Big factor in us getting a point.



Gilchrist 5/10 – Might have been the best of the defence that started and he was average. Gave his man way too much time and has this annoying habit of allowing players to turn him and face him up. Did do well second half to put off a player as a ball came across for a header. His limited play on the ball means we do not get much going the other way. Ended up centre back but not sure he attacked the ball enough when he was there.



Burrows 4.5/10 – He had a dip today with some mistakes throughout and give aways or poor clearances. Also lost his head, like Anel, when he reacted to the dive. Came off maybe to stop him getting into more trouble. Only saw him get forward once. Careless with the ball but Anel/Souza gave him some horrid passes.



Ahmedhodzic 1.5/10 – Hard to not give him any more. He had one good run out but his afternoon was a nightmare. Gave the ball away constantly, struggled when pressurised, daft free kicks conceded and then completely lost his head which cost us the chance of winning the game and his services for three games. Should get a maximum fine. Absolute idiot and as an experienced pro has to do far better at keeping his head. Totally rash and unprofessional. I get he had been wound up and caught but he has to manage his emotions. Wilder rightly called him out at the end. Big blow losing him for 3 games.



Souttar 3/10 – His worst performance for us. Constantly gave it away and also missed the cross on the first and then on the second he completely lost his man. Felt he never got to grips with the game and he just seemed really sluggish – maybe all the travelling he has been through has not helped. Looked clumsy and slow and did not dominate like he has been. They pressured both defenders all game and we kept coughing up possession.



Souza 7.5/10 – Our best outfield player just for his contribution over the game even though Hamer and Rak Sakyi was influential first half. Got up and down the field, won tackles and was able to pick up loose bits. He ensured we kept fighting and scrapping and used the ball better than anyone in the backline/defensive area.



Peck 4.5/10 – His play this season has gone from some excellent showings and then some largely anonymous ones and today was the latter. Barely saw him today and we needed much more especially when we had 10 men. I do think there is a big drop off from Arblaster who gets on the ball more and shows for it more and can turn out of those tight situations. Peck is young and we cannot expect him to play well every week – I expect Davies may get a start in the next few games.



Rak Sakyi 7.5/10 – A threat when we broke and he put in a great ball for the first goal and then the second made look easy when it was far from that. He is a real threat and teams look worried when he gets it. We need to get the ball to him more and let him run. I would have kept him on unless he had a knock? He is a dangerous player and an assist/goal from limited time on the ball/service is a great impact.



O’Hare 4/10 – Flattered to deceive again. Does work hard and tries to get on bits and pieces and had one shot blocked but he is weak/gets knocked off the ball and we are seeing little really of those marauding runs or dribbles. He just seems to get moved off it and is so lightweight and quite slow too. He does some of the defensive stuff well but I thought we were getting a dangerous attacker who could create/score, not just a worker off the ball and that is what he currently is? I think he needs a rest but we have so limited options he may have to keep playing.



Hamer 7.5/10 – Excellent in terms of the ball for the first goal, the ball for the second and always looking to get on it and make things happen. His work rate was good too. He showed real class when he got on it. Needs to be moved more centrally for me as he again is feeding off scraps. He was not able to influence the game as much second half and faded and then came off with another knock. Worrying he cannot last full games.



Campbell 6/10 – Hard one to mark as barely touched the ball and would be much lower if he did not score – but he did and a real poacher’s effort – where he got in front of his man and showed his instinct. On a good run and now may be out with an injury (hamstring according to Wilder?). Outside of the goal did little but we were playing more on the break. Hope he is not out for a long time.



Subs -



Seriki 6/10 – He at least stuck to his task with a few tackles and blocks but did get run past a few times with little cover behind. His play on the ball was neat enough other than a wild swing where he kicked it onto his own foot! Did ok though and once again did not let us down.



Robinson 6/10 – Thought he did well and won headers/tackles and helped us until the final 15 minutes to not be under too much pressure really. We then just though fatigue and weight of numbers started getting even deeper and the corners x 3 came and the goal. He did ok and now will need to step up for three games at least.



McCallum 5.5/10 – Ran around and won a few headers/clearances but we were under the cosh so he was just trying to plug gaps down the left.



Shackelton – Think he is extremely limited and is slow/small. He struggled to get up with the intensity of the game and seemed to be stuck in mud. Needed to give Seriki much more help who was left exposed. Needs to do more when given a chance as harsh as that sounds in difficult circumstances. Would worry me if he has to start many games.



One – Given little to really go at as we barely got in their half. Not sure he touched it much!





Manager: Wilder 5/10 – May seem harsh but thought we came out slow, off the pace and never got close to them and were under pressure from the off. The counter attacking was good and we scored two brilliant goals but did not see enough of the ball., defended way too deep and were overplaying. We were taking too many chances and kept conceding corners/free kicks after cheap give aways. I think he would have changed it at the break (personnel and tactics as we had so little of the ball and were so far back) but then he must almost make 2 chances enforced as we had to change our approach. It must have annoyed him as yes they looked dangerous but felt we had more goals with Hamer/Rak Sakyi etc going at them and they would have had to have taken more chances too. His interview after the game was excellent and summed it up really well with digs at the Coventry players for trying (why they did not play like that under Robins) and the striker but also was critical of our defending and of course, Anel. It was quite measured but you could not disagree with everything he said. He must be frustrated with the personnel he was left with and the fact we could not bring in 2 or 3 more in midfield/attack before the window closed and it will be a bit of a struggle for bodies up to January but even then there is no guarantee we will bring anyone in with the side (could use a different word) off the pitch. I think we will see likes of Shackleton, McCallum, Brooks in the week and we might find it a harder game than it should be – but eyes will be on Sunderland and the fact we have three games in a week too.





Coventry – I had them to finish 3rd which now seems mad but still think they will be around the playoffs if they get the managerial change right. Talk of Lampard would not fill me with confidence at all if I was a Sky Blues fan. Robins sacking was ridiculous and shows if you do well, you almost push the expectation levels up. He did such a great job, in difficult circumstances and brought in some excellent players. On a limited budget, he got them in or into the playoffs and nearly into an FA Cup final. I do wonder why clubs still go for these big-name managers like Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard. We saw it a while ago when the likes of Waddle, Robson and Barnes etc tried their hand at management. I get it to some degree for smaller clubs like Plymouth as it can then attract players who would not normally come but Coventry could get an up and coming manager or one of the European ones as is the current trend (worked for some and less so for others). I think if Robins had stayed they would have pushed toward the top 6 despite a poor start but now not so sure – if the appointment is as expected?



The team they have put together has some real talent, even with the losses they have had like Gyokeres (now one of the best strikers in Europe and one I wish we had pursued when we went up!), Hamer and O’Hare. I like Simms and Wright and have some underrated players all round but they seemingly have never got going this season and every time they got a win, it normally saw a few losses and could not push on after the rise of the last few seasons.



Today, they played well. They were the better side and will be aggrieved not to win but did come back from being behind twice. I suppose it is not the worst result but the way they played and the way the game went with the red card, they will feel they could and should have won it. The stats in terms of possession, touches (most they had had in an opposition box all season) and chances they had over the game and will have thought they should have scored more goals. They have some decent players and as Wilder said, wonder why they played as they have done the last few since Robins went? All their attacking subs would be in our match day squad so shows they probably have better depth than us. Today they sort of zoomed all over us and pressed high and forced our normally solid defence into mistakes. They scored two goals from good crosses and missed some chances. They were the better and more aggressive side throughout but their defending was awful and we could have scored from every attack we had (did not have many!) as they got down with slick passing and counter attacking. For all their control, they surrender goals too cheaply. The shenanigans they showed needs calling out – the diving from the lad Bassette and the errant elbow and then the holding his face- along with Thomas Asante cheating too was poor. Yes Anel was stupid and right to go off but the strikers’ behaviour was poor. Did not need to behave like he did, as he was a handful and threat without that. They have some real talent in reserve and do expect them to move up the league, even with Lampard but the start has not helped them. They are a side that always seems to cause us problems and we have had dreadful defensive showings in our last few games against them with players often (Egan recall last time) picking the games at the CBS to have their worst showings of the season. Maybe they deserve credit as pressured us and closed us down. We were slow to react but the red of course makes it a game that is about us trying to hold on and they deserved the leveller after a flurry of efforts but could not create too much after that.





Opponent Man of the Match – Bassette was the most influential, even as an irritant but they were decent throughout and thought Rudoni and Torp won midfield and had all the ball. They have some tidy players. Thomas rightly got the man of the match as he made two crucial blocks and scored the leveller – so he takes this award as I agree with Sky – I often don’t. Sakamoto was a handful when he came on too though.



Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was awful but did not think Sheaf was that influential and Thomas Asante made some odd decisions (dive and miskick – went too early on the goal too).



Referee/Officials – Darren Bond. The former alice band wearer, Bond looks a little less flashy these days. He has had some poor games involving us but you often remember the bad ones and our record under him has been good – sure he has been fine in many games too! Today he sort of lost control at times but not sure the players from either side helped and think they deserve more blame than him. The red he sort of has no choice as a raised hand to the throat by Anel gives him the opportunity to send him off. I think the striker could have walked or at least been booked (then he goes too) for the elbow but was subtle and probably hard for him to spot – the assistant has to help him but proving he did it on purpose is tricky for them to call – I certainly think he did! The rest of the game was bitty at times and both teams were losing their discipline. Sure a lot will be made of what he could have done differently but Wilder rightly called out their lad – Bond would have been a brave man to send him off for rolling around and sadly not many do. The rest of the game saw a few flashpoints and he tried to calm things down but as I say, I might be in the minority but thought both teams were not helping throwing themselves to the floor (mainly them but Souza and a few of ours did it too to timewaste) and too much pushing shoving. Players need to play the game.

Brilliant (war and peace) How long did it take you to construct that?

 

[Sky Blues]

You talk absolute shite mate

Would you like to explain how you saw it differently?

 

[Frank the tank]

Would you like to explain how you saw it differently?

If not for our Centre half inexplicably not clearing two regulation headers as he has done 999 times out of a thousand before today we leave with three points a clean sheet and another comfortable win against a team that featured some of the most despicable aspects of the modern game

 

[robbiez666]

Fair judgement of the defence. Souttar looked jet lagged, which is hardly surprising. Might have been better to rest him, but obviously the coaching staff see him in training.

Glichrist seems to be getting worse. He has good bits but the bad bits seem to be starting build up.

I think you were generous to Souza. I thought our midfield 2 were a mess. Not sure what they were doing. He seemed to have a more advanced role first half, when I'd have given that to Peck. He's a solid 6, for me. He's always putting a shift in. Peck more like 3.

I thought O'Hare was a bit better first half. Won a succession of free kicks getting us up the pitch but anonymous second half. He seems to lack determination on the ball. He gets it and immediately looks to pass it on. I'd like to see him have more of a go. He's got nimble feet, so should be decent at dribbling.

I thought we looked poor again. We don't seem to have a plan. Get it to Hamer and hopefully he does something? We pass it slowly around the back and then there's no one to play it to. Luckily, we have real quality in a few players and have been clinical nut even 2:1 up with 11 men they looked more dangerous going forward outside of a short spell.

 

[robbiez666]

Seriously?

2 decent chances all game. 2 shots on target. 2 goals. Once Hamer went off there was no threat going forward. Not what you expect from a side top of the table.

Blame the red card? Not a lot changed after it.

I thought we were poor but we had a period where we dominated. They made a few good blocks in dangerous positions.

Looked like a draw would have been likely before the card but we were ahead and hardly under the cosh.

 

[Sky Blues]

If not for our Centre half inexplicably not clearing two regulation headers as he has done 999 times out of a thousand before today we leave with three points a clean sheet and another comfortable win against a team that featured some of the most despicable aspects of the modern game

Just like our lapses of concentration that gifted you your goals. But hey ho we've been doing it all season. That's why we're down the table. All our defenders like to get forward.

It's such a shame for the young lad Arblaster. Great player at such a young age. Hope he gets back to his best when he comes back. Looks like you might struggle without him. You need to put Hamer in the middle. But he looked half the player he was with us.

 

[Sky Blues]

I thought we were poor but we had a period where we dominated. They made a few good blocks in dangerous positions.

Looked like a draw would have been likely before the card but we were ahead and hardly under the cosh.

Your GK kept you in it a few times. Our GK didn't make a save all game.

I'm starting to think that I watched a different game to most on here.

 

[john Mathison]

No Blaster, Moore, Brewster, Anel, possibly Souza, Rak for next game????? Two loan slots not used, not using them , for what ever reason, will cost us dear.

 

[Keen Blade]

Honestly don’t see why we brought Shackleton in, can’t see what he offers, O’Hare bit of a meh addition also. Built a decent defence but the issue and its been for a good while is we can’t seem to build an exciting offence like other teams (boro,Leeds, even cov?)

Totally agree.

We manage to offload Osborn & Traore then get two even smaller players in.
Shackleton does FA.
O'Hare tries and gets so far but then can't make an impact coz eased off the ball - I can't believe there were not some more athletic types to sign.

Noticeable that Hamer's lovely contributions to both goals come when he is on the R side of the pitch.
WAKE UP WILDER
Wtf do you play Hamer on the LW ?
I am sick of seeing O'Hare being wasted centrally when Hamer should be central.
Do I need to email Wilder to explain why our offence is mainly crap ?
If you want a LW put Brooks there.

Another 6 goals for Boro today and we haven't scored more than 2 in a game yet - please give your head a wobble Chris and work out why we fail to put effective attacks together.

We don't score today apart from Hamer passes & JRS uncommon brilliance.

Top of the league but we can't put opponents under pressure - bizarre.

 

[Harry's Game]

I like Deadbat reports but he really has a downer on Peck. I thought he did a really good job today

 

[Charlieblade]

Interesting perspective looking at this game and our lucky win against Bitistol City. We will look back and view it as 4 points gained, but it could have been much worse?
Some tough fixtures coming up and some players really do need resting and recovery time. What can Wilder do with such a threadbare squad?
Good honest reporting as usual.

 

[Deadbat]

I like Deadbat reports but he really has a downer on Peck. I thought he did a really good job today

We had absolutely no control of midfield and he stood off much of the game. He needed to be closing down quicker. Seemed slow to react to things.

Did not get on the ball or effect play enough in terms of us in possession.

Thought Souza was covering for him a lot of the game.

Cov had so much of the ball in the middle, even 11 v 11

 

[John Street West Terrace]

A strange game at times yesterday , thought we started slow & they were in the the ascendency but we were dangerous on the counter & undid them twice and would have played into our hands the longer that scenario was gonna play out.
The sending off without a doubt completely changed the dynamics of the game , not gonna go into war & peace over it but just to say their Vardy-a-like shithouse offered the bait & Anel the fkg muppet took it , cost us 3 points & maybe more in the next games now with a ban , foot note to that been Wilder needs to get the discipline side sorted or it’s gonna cost unnecessary cards / fines inc the a few of the end of game melees we’ve had.

After the sending off & losing Campbell we defended resolutely to be fair but had no outlet whatsoever I you could see what was coming , I would have 100% kept Rak Sakyi on as his pace had caused them a lot of issues and would have at least occupied a couple of their back line defending against that .
O’Hare on his own up there was never gonna work & the injuries that have took out our other frontmen showed how little depth we have in that department.
Thought we were gonna see it out but a very uncharacteristic mistake from Soutts & we gave them a share of the spoils .

On reflection I would have probably took a point beforehand ….then on the day & the way it was playing out first half thought we were gonna get 3 points reminded me very much of the Hull away game … again after the sending off I probably would have again took a draw .. but then did all the hard work & looked like we were gonna see it out & we’ve got to be very disappointed in the way we gave it away.

Personally I think some of the player ratings ppl have given maybe a bit harsh & caught up in moment .. its certainly a game we would have lost in other times so credit is deserved for the 10 players digging out a result .. onward & upward to Tuesday night

Cooper 7.5
Burrows 6.5
Anel 4
Souttar 5.5
Gilchrist 7
Hamer 7.5
Vini 8
O’Hare 5
Peck 6
Rak Sakyi 7.5
Campbell 6.5

Seriki 6
Shackleton 5
Robbo 6
One 5
McCallum 6

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks for the report Deadbat and I agree with the majority of it.
Coventry are one of the few teams that have got behind us, moved us about and pressured us into making mistakes.
After we scored the first, we had a decent 10 minute spell until that wanker equalised.
After the sending off we just defended and cleared our lines. There was no out ball and no one to hold it up. That would explain why our passing stats were lower.
You can’t expect to play like that for 50 minutes and not concede.
Hope the wanker plays at the Lane as he’ll get a nice reception.

 

[Bell4]

I like Deadbat reports but he really has a downer on Peck. I thought he did a really good job today

I thought he got it spot on tbh